Sports policy: Female tennis players must undergo gender testing

“The WTA recognizes that this is a sensitive and complex issue and is committed to treating all players with dignity and implementing the policy in a respectful and thoughtful manner,” the statement said. Other international sports associations have already introduced comparable tests, for example in athletics and boxing.

Tests via cheek swab, blood or saliva sample

Eligibility to participate in WTA tournaments will in future be proven through a mandatory, one-time screening for the SRY gene. This involves examining whether the gene on the Y chromosome is present, which plays a crucial role in the development of male sexual characteristics. The genetic test can be carried out either using a cheek swab or using a blood or saliva sample.

The new policy comes into effect this Tuesday. Previously, transgender women were allowed to take part in WTA tournaments provided they declared their gender as female and maintained low testosterone levels for a period of two years before competition. There are currently no known transgender women active on the WTA tour.

Boxing competitions sparked debate

The WTA is following the line of the International Olympic Committee. The trigger for the tightened policy was the debate about the women’s boxing competitions at the 2024 Games in Paris. The Olympic champions Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting had previously been excluded from the World Cup by the then World Boxing Association Iba because they allegedly did not meet the participation criteria based on an unspecified gender test. Both were allowed to compete at the Olympics.